Anthony Stokes admitted Roy Keane's ambition persuaded him to quit Arsenal and join Sunderland in a £2m (€3m) deal today.

Stokes, 18, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

He shot to prominence after a spectacular loan spell at Bank of Scotland Premier League outfit Falkirk earlier this season, which yielded 16 goals in 18 games.

The loan ended on January 2 and sparked a race for his signature among several clubs - but Stokes opted for promotion-chasing Sunderland.

"I spoke to Roy Keane about everything, he told me his hopes for the club, and it made up my mind," said Stokes, who could make his debut this weekend against Ipswich.

"I'm excited about the move and it's brilliant to be here. It has been a hectic few days, sorting things out, and now I'm looking forward to training and playing."

The teenager became the first player to fire back-to-back hat-tricks in the SPL after netting three against Dundee United and then Dunfermline in October.

The Ireland U21 striker becomes the fourth player to arrive at Sunderland since the transfer window opened.

Keane, whose side lie three places adrift of the play-off places, said: "I'm delighted that Anthony has decided to join us.

"We've beaten off competition from a number of high-profile clubs for someone who is a good, young player who can hopefully help us in our push for promotion."